Local agencies visit Publix to say thanks

"Positive picketers" walk into Publix at Barclay Avenue and Spring Hill Drive to thank employees for their donations to the United Way. Pictured in the foreground are Missy Hoppes, left, and Janine Hammett. In the background are Barbara Wheeler, Jay Pannozzo and Cezar Gonzalez. WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE/STAFF

Kathy Jones, executive director of the United Way of Hernando County, said Publix gave more than $385,000 to her organization this year. The money is raised by employees during a campaign, Jones said, and matched for a portion by the company.

At the Child Advocacy Center, funds are used for therapy and staff positions. Hammett said Publix encourages their employees to go on yearly tours of the organizations they donate to.

"They are amazing, the way they treat the community and their employees."

Other agencies that visited Publix locations in Spring Hill were the YMCA, Dawn Center, Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition and Family Visitation Center. Another group visited the Brooksville Publix locations to say thanks, Hammett said.

Cezar Gonzalez, district vice president for the YMCA, said the donations help fund senior wellness programs, and BarbaraWheeler, executive director of the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition, said the funds help her organization collect data on local homeless populations, which is reported to state and federal agencies.